What is a collaborative laboratory automation platform?

A collaborative laboratory automation platform provides the physical infrastructure required to connect robotic systems, instruments, and workflow software into a flexible, modular automation environment. Unlike fixed automation work cells, these platforms enable rapid reconfiguration, shared instrument access, and scalable integration across evolving scientific workflows.  They also provide scientists the ability to walk up and use the instruments on the platform. From compact vertical systems to horizontal backbone architectures, collaborative platforms support efficient lab automation without rebuilding your infrastructure.


inSPIRE Collaborative Laboratory Automation Platform

The Thermo Scientific inSPIRE Collaborative Laboratory Automation Platform is designed to integrate all necessary components for automated laboratory workflows. Featuring the innovative Thermo Scientific SmartHandle technology, it offers intuitive touch control and real-time instrument feedback. The platform's modular design ensures versatility and flexibility, making it suitable for various applications such as drug discovery, synthetic biology, and health-related research. Its compact, vertical design and rapid deployment accelerate time to automation, enabling laboratories to operate with greater efficiency and adaptability.

The inSPIRE Platform will provide labs with:

  • Compact design: Space-saving vertical structure.
  • Versatile modularity: Configurable components including shelves, tables, slides, platforms, and SmartCart solutions to suit diverse workflows.
  • Intuitive interaction: SmartHandle Touch Control with color changes and haptic feedback for easy instrument access.
  • Health status indication: At-a-glance status for each instrument.
  • Flexible configuration: Adaptable to evolving laboratory needs with a variety of modular components.

Aloft Collaborative Laboratory Automation Platform

The Thermo Scientific Aloft Collaborative Laboratory Automation Platform is a familiar horizontal lab infrastructure implementation with effortless reconfigurability that enables intuitive instrument between workflows, without the need for deep training. It is a collaborative lab automation platform built to keep pace with changing science. Designed as the backbone for instrument sharing and on‑the‑fly reconfiguration, it delivers increased resource utilization across a wide range of applications through easy, intuitive access. Its “Lab of the Future” element‑level standardization future‑proofs your infrastructure investment, so new instruments and workflows plug in without a rebuild. SmartCart docking solutions connect into any central spine bay for add‑&‑go flexibility, while quick connections and a familiar, space‑efficient layout keep the footprint light. The result: faster execution, better asset management, and lower total cost of ownership.

The Aloft platform provides labs with:

  • Collaborative automation backbone: Intuitive online/offline use makes it easy to share instruments across teams—so experiments keep moving and utilization climbs.
  • Add-&-go agility: Reconfigure on the fly with SmartCart solutions that dock into any central spine bay, giving you true flexibility as workflows, assays, and priorities change.
  • “Lab of the Future” standardization: Element-level architecture future‑proofs your infrastructure investment, so expanding capability doesn’t require starting over.
  • Higher ROI, lower ownership cost: Easy access and quick connections empower users to manage the modular platform themselves—improving asset management while reducing total cost of ownership.

SmartCart Docking Solution

Reconfigure your automation systems with ease and efficiency using the Thermo Scientific SmartCart Docking Solution. This lightweight and intuitive docking solution features SmartHandles for safer and smarter instrument relocation. Enhanced by the Thermo Scientific Momentum Workflow Automation Software, the SmartCart enables dynamic reconfiguration of your lab setup, allowing you to move instruments within your current workflow, switch to a different workflow, or relocate to another lab area entirely. The docking solution is available in different heights and widths to maximize flexibility.

The SmartCart Docking Solution provides labs with:

  • Simple reconfiguration: Effortless setup with light infrastructure without heavy or bulky stations, allowing flexible workflow connections.
  • Collaborative automation: SmartHandle technology cues for the status of the cart and it’s devices.
  • Flexible adaption: Easily reconfigure your system as workflows and requirements evolve, with SmartCart solutions that are fully compatible across both the inSPIRE platform and Aloft platform.
  • Enhanced connectivity: Seamlessly connects workflows, streamlines processes with smart technology and automation, meeting the demand for faster, agile lab operations.

When combined with Momentum workflow automation software, SmartCart solutions enable dynamic orchestration across instruments and workflows.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.